New Year Resolutions for Herbalists

Follow me this month while I try to clear out my own chaos and get a few tips on how to get your herb cabinet and/or business back in order! January is a perfect time for reflection and planning, but also, we have time for getting things done since the rush of garden season is still a few months away, the snow keeps us at home a bit more....as does the promise of a warm house and hot cup of tea. Each day, I am going to tackle something that needs constant care or attention, but that is often left to become dysfunctional as the year goes on. Will this be the year, I actually keep on top of things? Who knows...but if not, I will repost next year!

January 5 ~

REVIEW 

The Roman god Janus, for whom this month is named, is depicted as having two faces....one looking back, the other, forward. No matter where we are in our lives, it is always useful to look back to where we came from and notice evolution in our thinking and understanding.......but also, to remember our earliest inspirations and to laugh, lovingly, at long lost naivete'. We can then move forward on better footing.

I am in the middle of looking through old notebooks from my earliest days as a herbal and midwifery student. The notes are anything but tidy--scribbles in the margins and often, around the edge of the pages, dog ears on almost every page--because then....EVERYTHING seemed equally important!! I remember being in awe at every word from a teacher's mouth--all of it must be true, I thought. I also am looking over my first herbals--similarly dog eared and scribbled in. Most of the information is so second nature to me now, having lived it and taught it so often, but every now and then, there are little tidbits --long forgotten and really useful. But the more enriching part of this review--is noting not the facts of formulas or body chemistry, but rather, the philosophy, wisdom and sometimes deep convictions of some of the teachers/authors.

Since then, I learned that there are great herbals and teachers...and bad ones. I have had both, though it is also a blessing to learn lessons from what information not  to pass on or how to make sure to teach in a professional manner.

After a long while not being fully engaged in my herb business, I needed the inspiration of the feelings I had in those early years. Usually, that is reaffirmed for me as I see the same look on my students faces--and their total enthusiasm. But, not having taught lately, this remembrance of my own  excitement was woefully overdue.

I have piles more to go through today...while sipping a nice cup or two of Rosemary tea.